hello
54 synonyms and 2 antonyms for hello, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Intj — A common greeting said when meeting someone or answering the phone.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use hello
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
First recorded in the early 1800s as a variant of "hollo"; often credited to Thomas Edison as the standard telephone greeting, though the word predates the telephone.
Full origin of hello →Frequently asked questions
What does “hello” mean?
The word “hello” means a common greeting said when meeting someone or answering the phone. In plain terms, the everyday word for greeting someone.
How do you pronounce “hello”?
“Hello” is pronounced huh-LOH (/hɛˈloʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “hello” in a sentence?
Here is “hello” used in a sentence: “"Hello," she said, picking up the phone.”
What is another word for “hello”?
Words with a similar meaning to “hello” include g'day, hey, hi, hallo, hiya and you alright.
What is the opposite of “hello”?
The opposite of “hello” — its antonyms — are bye and goodbye.
What part of speech is “hello”?
Depending on how it is used, “hello” can be an intj, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “hello” come from?
The word “hello” dates back to around 1800. First recorded in the early 1800s as a variant of "hollo"; often credited to Thomas Edison as the standard telephone greeting, though the word predates the telephone.
Is “hello” a common word?
“Hello” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between hello and hi?
Both are greetings, but "hello" is the more neutral, standard choice that suits almost any situation, including formal ones and answering the phone. "Hi" is shorter and more casual, better with friends and relaxed settings. You would open a job interview with "hello," but greet a mate with "hi."
Is "hello" formal or informal?
Hello sits comfortably in the middle, which is part of why it is so useful. It is polite enough for formal situations — meetings, phone calls, greeting strangers — yet warm enough for friends and family. For something more relaxed you might say "hi" or "hey"; for extra formality, "good morning" or "good afternoon."
What are other ways to say hello?
Casual options include "hi," "hey," "hiya," and "howdy." More formal or time-specific greetings include "good morning," "good afternoon," and "good evening." You might also hear "how do you do," "welcome," or a simple "hey there." The right choice depends on how formal the situation is and who you are greeting.
When do you use "hello"?
You use hello to greet someone when you meet or approach them, and it is the standard word for answering the phone. It also works to get attention or check whether someone is there, as in "Hello? Is anyone home?" In each case it opens contact and signals friendly acknowledgement.